The best camping near Alafia River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Alafia River State Park adventure.

88% (4 reviews)

Get on your bike and explore some of Florida’s best mountain bike trails.

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Stay at a public campground in Alafia River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Alafia River State Park

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By the Pond...

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Site is loaded with hundreds of fruit trees Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava), and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

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Wilderness Shores Ranch_Campground!

84 sites · RVs, Tents750 acres · Lakeland, FL

SUMMER SALES GOING ON!!! LARGE SLIP n SLIDE WATER FUN HERE!!!! 750 acres of Ranch, Water and Islands to explore!! Wilderness Shores is an active Texas Longhorn Ranch with 3 beautiful miles of Shoreline and 750 acres of Ranch, Water and Islands to explore! Lake View or Oak Forest RV sites available with (20/30/50 amp) along with double water hookups and dump station on site! WE have beautiful RV CAMPERS ON SITE TO RENT AS WELL!!! Campers sleep 4, 6, 8 guests!! Shoreline tents sites available right along the Lake shoreline! Or chose a Primitive Tent Campsite or RV boondocking! Picnic table, fire ring, water and charcoal grills provided with RV sites and Shoreline tent sites! Don't have a tent? We rent those too! Tent rentals medium/large are $35-$45. FREE HIGHSPEED OPTIC WIFI ON THE RANCH FOR ALL! SUMMER WATER FUN WITH LARGE SLIP & SLIDES with HELICOPTER WATER SPRAYS!!! Come see the beautiful scenery, animals and breathtaking sunsets! We are Florida's Best Kept Secret! Non-Urbanized, Solitude and Family Fun Recreation! Join us for our exciting Texas Longhorn Cattle drives and kid Hayrides! Pet and feed snacks to our herd of friendly Nigerian Dwarf goats, beautiful Ranch Horses and our amazing Longhorn Cows! Grab a kayak (we rent them) and hit the lake to explore our dozens of islands and vast waterways! Walk or bike ride our many ridge trails! Along with FISHING GALORE!!! On our vast 3 miles of Lake Shoreline!! Sit on our relaxing 3 person swings throughout the property and enjoy a beautiful nature filled sunrise or sunset! End the day with cookouts, music, fun, laughter and family time around the Campfire! Country Store on site with our grass fed hamburger meat/steaks for sale! Along with other food items/ essentials to purchase. Firewood on site/large round tubful's for a great price to last all weekend! Friendly pets are welcome! Kept on a leash when out & about! Our Ranch and Campsite is a designated Agritourism by the State of Florida combining its two largest industries, Agriculture and Tourism. Feel free to inquire with us! Our website is wildernessshores.com Centrally located! 18 miles to LEGOLAND, 37 miles to Busch Gardens and 32 miles to Disney World! Enjoy all the Parks! In addition, we are 6 miles to Super Walmart for shopping needs and close to lots of restaurants!

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T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We are offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavilions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! Learn more about this land: We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavillions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! We can accommodate two, 30 amp & one, 50 amp site plus four, 20 amps or less at this time. We do not have a septic black tank hook up for RVs or campers. We do have a bathroom in the barn with a working toilet and sink but no shower. We do have plenty of room for campers, tents, and RVs!

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Mad Beach Rv Or Trailer Spot

1 site · RV1 acre · Madeira Beach, FL

Experience the ultimate beachside getaway at our charming single home, just a short 3-block walk from the beach. Park your RV alongside our property and enjoy all the amenities of the home right at your fingertips. With both 30-amp and 50-amp plug connections available, you'll have everything you need to power up your RV and settle in for a relaxing stay. Our outdoor toilet and shower facilities are accessible 24/7, providing convenience and comfort during your beachside retreat. Relax and unwind on our spacious patio, complete with exterior seating and a cozy breakfast nook where you can enjoy your morning coffee or a leisurely meal. For entertainment, our outdoor smart TV with surround sound is perfect for movie nights under the stars. As the sun sets, watch your favorite films in style with our exterior chandelier casting a warm glow over the patio area. Whether you're lounging in the evening breeze or soaking up the sun during the day, our beachside oasis offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your RV adventure.

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Rasayana Cove

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Ona, FL

Rasayana Cove is a 25-acre eco-retreat located in the heartland of west central Florida. An hour's drive east of Sarasota surrounded by vast tracts of orange groves and ranch land, Rasayana Cove has been operating as a small retreat center since 1995. The long eastern boundary borders Horse Creek, a major tributary of the Peace River. The property features two spring-fed ponds - one small and the other large. The cabins are accessible by well constructed shell-topped roads with good drainage and a variety of nature pathways. A natural ecosystem remains undisturbed in the middle of the property - a Florida bay head of native flora and wildlife. While most of the state is crowded and overdeveloped, this eco-retreat offers a haven of peace in the pristine nature of Florida

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Hearts & Dreams Ranch & Retreat

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dade City, FL

We are an experience!!! We assure you will want to do more than just a pit stop here! We offer cow hugs, cow feedings, a full petting farm, donkeys that are extremely invasive with their smiles and heeehaws, and of course endless laughter and selfies! Let's not forget the scenery and fresh air. Extraordinary sunsets and clear night skies with no city lights! You'll probably want to stay more than a day but we assure whether it's a single night or a several nights, you will have an experience!! In addition to our experience there's so much opportunity surrounding us for exploration from springs to a giraffe Safari to old shopping towns! We offer farm fresh products such as eggs, milk, & honey, goats soap and more!

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(12)

Boulevard Landing

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Port Richey, FL

5645 Bay Boulevard is 2 blocks off US 19 in Port Richey Florida. The property is 1 mile east of the Gulf Of Mexico. There are 5 restaurants on the water that are a short ride bicycle, golf cart or 1 wheel ride away. One is a Hooters. Within 2 blocks is a Dunkin Donuts, Culvers and Hardees. Walmart is accessible without driving on 19. If you need fuel there is a WaWa and Walmart station. The Veteran's Expressway is a short drive east which makes a drive to the Tampa Fairgrounds less than 1 hour. We have a 50 amp covered full hook up spot, a 50 amp with water spot and 6 plus boondocking spots. We have a place to dump and refill the water tank. We aren't fancy, just very convenient. Convenience is what makes our property special. We enjoy being able to help people save while enjoying a nice safe place to stay John Thompson is the manager of the property and lives in the house .

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The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging, Tents4 acres · Brookridge, FL

Glamping in The Olive Grove. Aframe Cabin Tent nestled in a 4 acre olive orchard. We are a working farm and harvest and mill our olives into high quality, extra virgin olive oil. Free range chickens and ducks and rescue dogs roam the grounds. Cabin tent side opens, queen bed, Wi-fi, heat and AC, TV, electric outlets and fire pit. Kitchenette and bathrooms are separate from the cabin tent. Kitchenette has coffee maker, toaster over/ air fryer, hot plate, pots and pans. Bathrooms have showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Located on the bike path, close to Weeki Wachee River Mermaids and the beautiful Chassahwitzka River. Relax, rest and take it all in. No pets please. Enjoy farm fresh eggs and fresh olive oil with your stay, our gift. Firewood available $1 per log. Farm Store open on weekends August thru March. Ask about our kayak and sailboat adventures.

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Area 61 Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Arcadia, FL

Area 61 is a natural 5 acre property with a creek that feeds into the Peace River. We have many different types of wild life that visit including white tail deer, turkeys, alligators, otters, armadillos and all types of birds including owls. We also have access to the Peace River for canoeing and kayaking trips. Along the creek we also have several terraced waterfalls that provide a wonderful wetland area for the wildlife.

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(128)

Myrtle Oaks

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Lakeland, FL

Welcome to our home!Welcome to Lakeland Florida; close to everything, and away from it all! As you enter our property through a canopy of mature oaks you’ll be greeted by a host of curious squirrels, rabbits, turtles, woodpeckers, and the like. Continue down the long dirt road and around the bend to your peaceful campsite.

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(39)

Just Like The Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Tarpon Springs, FL

Tarpon Springs Suites has been landscaped with the feel of being in the Florida Keys. We are meticulous about the maintenance of the property and the residences. You will feel like you are at the beach, although it is a short distance away. A little known historical fact is our property and the neighborhood are the site of the old Tarpon Zoo. If you look closely while walking the neighborhood you might notice some old remnants that were left behind. Tarpon Springs is steeped with history with many sites on the National Register of Historic Places. The Sponge Docks and the adjacent Greek community is quite unique. Greek residents take great pride in their culture. Local and cultural activities abound, including festivals, Greek Orthodox religious ceremonial celebrations such as Epiphany are all open to the public. Tarpon Springs Aquarium, Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, performing arts, museums, award-winning art festivals, music festivals, microbreweries, pristine beaches, waterside parks with fresh and saltwater boat ramps that can accommodate boats of all sizes, as well as outdoor movie nights can all be found within Tarpon Springs. The Pinellas Trail is also just a few blocks away to go for a nice walk, jog, or to ride a bike. The trail runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete allowing for an all-day adventure with many shops and restaurants along the way. For those who want to relax, or not worry about parking, take the Trolley. The Trolley runs from Tarpon Springs to St Pete with stops including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the top-rated Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beaches. The space is private and fenced. A 12' wide gate for entry and has room for a 45' motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer slide-out. You will be parking on an area made of limestone and crushed shell which provides a great surface to park on and allows for easy leveling. Full hookups are conveniently located at the back of the space and include a sewer hookup, 50 Amp RV Receptacle with breaker, and potable water hose. NOTE: if your rig does not have 50 amp service you will need to buy an adapter to transition your rig's connection to the 50 amp service connection, There is a Walmart across the street and a Camping World a few miles north that can sell you a 50 amp to 30 amp or 50 amp to 15 amp adapter. Please note pictures of the receptacle plug-in to be sure you buy the correct adapter. You will be sharing the common area with the guests of the four pet-friendly, spacious, clean, 2 BD /1 BA apartments that are also located on the property. The grounds are landscaped, with plenty of seating consisting of a large picnic table, chaise lounges, tables, and chairs that make it perfect for relaxing while visiting with friends and family, catching some rays, or grilling out. There is a large oak tree that provides lots of shade for when you want to kick back and relax.

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(8)

WFL Event Ranch

4 sites · RVs20 acres · Brooksville, FL

Branding Change! Upcoming 2025 Our facility will be growing to include more activities such as: (2025 activities: Draft Horse Driving lessons, Riding lessons, Trail Rides, Day camps for Kids, Weekend getaways for Adults, Birthday Parties and much more) Check back with us soon. Special needs activities will also be available please contact directly. Currently Available : Come camp at an off the beaten-path hidden treasure! Wild and serene wooded camping sites about 20 mins from the Weeki Wachee River! We offer 4 RV hookups during your stay or our VRBO facility Studio Apartment or 2 BR Apartment. If you need a stall for your horse please contact us. Peace and Privacy This is the REAL Florida! Beautiful Oaks, Bamboo, and a plethora of other exciting flora! We love it here and think you will too! Our sites are spacious and shaded. Wonderful winery and restaurant right down the road! The State Park is about 20 minutes away. Our neighbors are the wild deer, turkeys, and even peacocks! We may have horses, goats, chicken, or a donkey or two on-site. Enjoy the view but do not approach. Or farm is great for foraging and just disconnecting from the hustle and bustle! Ask your host about property/farm tours, river tours, and horseback riding. After contacting host to announce your arrival enter dirt drive and follow it though the oaks to the camping area signs. A spot will be assigned that you should love, enjoy the peace and quiet. RV'S are allowed in the Camp area only. A monthly rate is available upon request. RULES: Pets: pets are allowed please keep leashed at all times. Please cleanup after your pets. RV: MUST BE SELF CONTAINED UNIT Check-in: 1pm Check-out: 12pm Quiet hours: 10 PM - 8 AM No Generators (our wildlife is our main goal not to disturb) Fire Pits are allowed, must not be left unattended. No access to pastures or barn area unless you are have setup with a guide. (Please do not feed any of the animals) This is a Farm and we are not responsible for injury or damages. All Guests Must Be Registered. All Adult Guest Must Provide Photo ID Before Arriving On Property So We Know What Who To Expect.

The best camping near Alafia River State Park guide

Overview

About

Mountains in Florida? Well, they might not be natural peaks, but the reclaimed mining land at Alafia River State Park has some of Florida’s steepest elevation changes, affording some thrilling terrain for mountain biking. If you don’t fancy biking, you can hit the trails on foot or by horseback, or take to the water instead—there are ample spots for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing along the Alafia River. Alternatively, head to the lakeside to picnic, soak up the scenery, or camp at one of the park’s two camping loops, which include RV sites, equestrian sites, and primitive campsites for groups.

Notable campgrounds

Best for family RVers: Alafia Lake Campground has spacious paved sites for RVs and trailers, with full hookups, fire rings, solar-heated showers, and a dump station.
Best for horsey Hipcampers: Lonesome Lake Campground has 12 equestrian sites with full hookup, pull-through sites, and access to paddocks and a barn.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the 30 full-facility campsites at Alafia River State Campground, as well as primitive group campsites, via the Florida State Parks Reservation website.
Florida residents can make Alafia River campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
Campsites can book up as fast, so book at least three months in advance or at least six months in advance for holiday weekends.

When to go

The Sunshine State is ideal for four-season camping, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed right through winter at Alafia Lake State Park. The lakeside campgrounds are equally popular as a retreat from the summer heat or to sneak in some winter sun, and the campgrounds and trails can get crowded on weekends year-round.

Know before you go

Alafia Lake State Park sits 28 miles southeast of Tampa, about a 40-minute drive away.
There are day-use fees for all Florida State Parks, and campsite booking fees also apply.
Dogs are welcome at Alafia Lake but must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash.
Facilities at Alafia Lake include bathrooms, a playground and volleyball area, a lakeside amphitheatre, a boat ramp, bike rentals, and a bike-washing station.
There are accessible restrooms, campsites, and picnic sites at Alafia Lake State Park.